Gompers BSN, RN

NICU

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All Content by Gompers

  1. Gompers

    IV Infiltration

    Gompers replied to Ellen59's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    When we have an infiltrate like that the docs inject Wydase (sp?) sub-q into the site. Most units check their IV sites every hour, so the real problem is that it wasn't checked between 0715 and
  2. Gompers

    Anyone who really thought they failed

    Gompers replied to boyboyincali's topic in NCLEX Exam, Programs

    I think almost everyone walks out of the NCLEX thinking that they failed. It's totally normal. There is no way to really gauge how you're doing during the test. Some people may have theories about...
  3. Gompers

    Nursing wages - differentials

    Gompers replied to australianrn's topic in General Nursing

    Differentials will vary greatly from one hospital to another, even in the same city. Now, CNAs usually don't get as large of a differential as nurses, in my experience, so don't be surprised if it's...
  4. Gompers

    Bld Cx's: does sample size affect result?

    Gompers replied to NICU_Nurse's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    I don't have the reference, but I am sure that I read an article that stated that samples with less than 1cc of blood are more likely to come back with a false negative result. We use the bottles...
  5. Gompers

    Codes: Can we administer code meds without MD present?

    Gompers replied to NICU_Nurse's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    I don't think that NRP certifications gives you the legal right to give medications without an MD order, so I wouldn't give it. Same thing with intubation - while we did learn it in NRP training, it...
  6. Gompers

    Codes: Can we administer code meds without MD present?

    Gompers replied to NICU_Nurse's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    It sounds to me like the baby was already in the NICU and the MD was the one en route. I suppose it depends on the unit. Where I am, we have at least 1 doc on the unit at all times, if not 2, so...
  7. Gompers

    narcan question

    Gompers replied to gonzo1's topic in Emergency

    Yep, we give Narcan down the ETT in the delivery room if a baby has respiratory depression from narcotics the mom got in labor. We also give epinepherine that way if the baby is in arrest. Both...
  8. Gompers

    At what gestation would YOU want YOUR baby saved?

    Gompers replied to StacyC417's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    That's very big for a 26 weeker. Usually a baby of that gestation weighs about 1.5 to 2 pounds at the most. A 30 weeker is often around the 3 pound mark. Maybe her dates were off? Either way, I'm glad...
  9. Gompers

    Insulin gtt & tubing

    Gompers replied to Furoffire's topic in General Nursing

    You don't use a vial. Pharmacy (or the nurses in some hospitals) prepares an "insulin drip" which is an IV bag full of fluid with insulin added into it. You spike IV tubing with this bag, run the...
  10. Gompers

    Read this- TRUE STORY! You're never gona believe this...

    Gompers replied to LoriAlabamaRN's topic in Nursing Humor

    That's what I was wondering, too... I hope they took pictures though! Now THAT'S a story to tell for the rest of their
  11. Gompers

    What color is your stethoscope tubing?

    Gompers replied to browneyedgirl71's topic in Scrubs, Uniforms, Gear

    I retired that royal blue Littman when I graduated and started working in the NICU. This is the head of the scope I use now, in pediatric size with matching lavender
  12. Gompers

    How about your favorite Old Wives Tales related to health?

    Gompers replied to NurseyTonyaLPN's topic in Nursing Humor

    Can you do it at any point during the pregnancy? I'm very
  13. Gompers

    How much autonomy do nurses have??

    Gompers replied to Epona's topic in General Nursing

    this whole thread has reminded me of one of my favorite nursing poems. i think it's appropriate to post it here, because it very nicely sums up what it feels like to be a nurse, at least to me. i...
  14. Gompers

    What color is your stethoscope tubing?

    Gompers replied to browneyedgirl71's topic in Scrubs, Uniforms, Gear

    My school suggested that we first get the double sprague type scopes - the ones that cost like $15-20. They ordered them with our uniforms and they were all black. After we started the program,...
  15. Gompers

    Thank you's - memorable ones you've received?

    Gompers replied to Liddle Noodnik's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    That's one of the reasons I love being a nurse. There is such pride that comes with caring for other people. A lot of times my friends with (dreadfully) boring office jobs will pity me for having to...
  16. Gompers

    NICU vs. Med-Surg

    Gompers replied to kmftiko's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Well, yeah! That's part of the reason I'm suggesting med-surg first. Because after you start in the NICU, it's very very hard to ever WANT to leave. In a certain way, we "ruin" nurses in the NICU....
  17. Gompers

    Thank you's - memorable ones you've received?

    Gompers replied to Liddle Noodnik's topic in Patient, Colleague Relations

    That is really sweet. I love it when patients (well in my case, patients' families) acknowledge all the shifts. We've had some do things like buy three fruit or bakery baskets with separate thank...
  18. Gompers

    How much autonomy do nurses have??

    Gompers replied to Epona's topic in General Nursing

    This is why I hope you are able to find a hospital willing to let you shadow some nurses for a few days. You might like ICU nursing (maybe cardiac, aka CCU) better than floor nursing. Instead of...
  19. Gompers

    Croc shoes Worth it? Or forget it??

    Gompers replied to RNSacht's topic in General Nursing

    Do you mean Aspen - the totally closed toe clog, or the Athens - which is a thong sandal? If you mean the Aspen, I'd say NO for work - your feet will sweat!!! You need those vent holes on the sides...
  20. Gompers

    How much autonomy do nurses have??

    Gompers replied to Epona's topic in General Nursing

    I've never gotten the obsession some people have with autonomy. If I wanted to be the one to diagnose and order things for patients, I'd have become a doctor. Pure and simple. Not a nurse...
  21. Gompers

    NICU vs. Med-Surg

    Gompers replied to kmftiko's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    While I agree that med-surg experience is USELESS when starting in the NICU, I just wanted to point out that the original poster liked many other areas of nursing besides NICU. If it was someone...
  22. Gompers

    Abandoning babies at Hospitals LEGAL?!?!

    Gompers replied to Antikigirl's topic in General Nursing

    I'm not sure if it's discussed in schools right now, but I think that when kids are getting their sex education in health class (usually junior high, right?) that they should talk about the Safe Haven...
  23. Gompers

    What is with the crazy parents?? --vent--

    Gompers replied to analee23's topic in Emergency

    And I've done NICU for 8 years. I'm not new to pediatrics by any means. I communicate with my families just fine and rarely have problems. One of the most difficult situations we've had in the past...
  24. Gompers

    Question about hours

    Gompers replied to user9876's topic in NICU, Neonatal

    Yep. I had a surprise pregnancy, and while happy about the turn of events, I was soooooooo annoyed when I found out that my due date is January 5th! I was like, OH COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not only am...
  25. Gompers

    Babies cut during c-sections?

    Gompers replied to rbytsdy's topic in Ob/Gyn

    Right, I don't think this baby was crying because it got a cut from the scalpel. It was crying because, if you're lucky, that's what a newborn baby does in the delivery room. They're supposed to cry...